Neo-Nazi attacks on CSD participants: police fail in dangerous situations!

Neo-Nazi attacks on CSD participants: police fail in dangerous situations!

Another dark incident is shaking the debate about right-wing extremism in Germany: Last Sunday there was a massive attack by neo-Nazis on participants of the Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Bautzen. How taz According to reports, the neo-Nazis were on their way back to Berlin after trying to disrupt the queer celebrations. On a train that traveled from Bautzen via Görlitz and Cottbus to Berlin, there were dangerous provocations and threats against CSD participants and anti-fascists.

At the Bautzen train station, the right-wing extremist activists, most of whom were members of the “Deutsche Jugend Voran” and “Deutsche Patrioten Voran” groups, met around 60 CSD participants. The police initially didn't react very smoothly: They separated the two groups and gave the neo-Nazis unhindered access to their train, while the queer revelers were only allowed to ride ten minutes later. This was the start of a series of threats as the journey continued.

Dangerous situation not recognized

There were again unpleasant confrontations at the Görlitz and Cottbus train stations. In Görlitz, the neo-Nazis were already aggressive and provoked the CSD participants. It was known that among the provocateurs was a convicted neo-Nazi named Julian M. Despite the dangerous situation, the police wanted to let both groups drive unaccompanied; However, a courageous train attendant prevented things from getting worse and closed the carriage doors.

The situation escalated at Ostkreuz when neo-Nazis attacked two journalists. It was only after this attack that the police showed determination and arrested twelve of the attackers. Meanwhile, up to 200 anti-fascists had gathered at Alexanderplatz to ensure the protection of the CSD participants, which resulted in police checks and chases against the anti-fascists. A CSD participant named Belinda Möller reported on the threatening atmosphere on the trains, where neo-Nazis insulted queer couples with trans flags, whereupon they fled the train.

Neo-Nazis on the rise

The current events in Bautzen are part of a frightening trend: neo-Nazi youth groups have increased in Germany, especially on platforms like TikTok, where they are actively mobilizing against CSD parades. The time highlights that the neo-Nazi scene is particularly strong in Saxony, with the Elblandrevolte group as a central actor. In the past, they have attempted violent attacks on politicians, while their mobilizations against Pride events are not always successful, but still represent worrying numbers: in 2024, the Elblandrevolte and its youth group Urbs Turrium mobilized around 700 neo-Nazis to disrupt Queer Pride.

The number of right-wing extremist crimes rose dramatically, as shown by BKA statistics. In 2024, more than 42,000 right-wing crimes were recorded, an increase of almost 48 percent compared to the previous year. What is particularly worrying is the frustration and shift to the right among young voters, who often grow up with right-wing extremist ideologies. Deutschlandfunk culture reports that the AfD, which is considered firmly anchored in the right-wing extremist spectrum, achieved a share of 21 percent of the vote among 18 to 24 year olds. The networking and radicalization of young people on social media poses a serious danger.

What remains to be done? Increased efforts are needed to promote a democratic and inclusive youth culture. Prevention programs and long-term measures are necessary to take action against such brown activities in the future and to create emancipatory opportunities for young people.